The Timbers take Ryan Coiner (F) San Diego in Round 1 and local boy Curtis Spiteri (G) U of Portland in Round 2.

Bios:

Coiner finished his college career with 49 goals, ranking second all-time in USD history. A native of Aliso Viejo, Calif., Coiner, 23, was named the West Coast Conference's co-player of the year in 2000; he was the lone recipient of this year's honor, tallying 37 points on 14 goals and nine assists, tops in the WCC.

"Ryan is an excellent goal-scorer," said Timbers coach Bobby Howe. "He's arguably the best forward to come out of the University of San Diego in many years and comes highly recommended through our scouts in Southern California."

Spiteri, 21, was a first-team all-West Coast Conference and third-team all-Far West selection during his 2002 senior season with the Pilots program. Originally from Vista, Calif., Spiteri started 17 of Portland's 19 matches in 2002, logging eight shutouts and laying claim to 10 of the Pilots' 11 wins on their way to their first WCC title in a decade.

The Pilots' keeper led the WCC in shutouts and in goals-against average (0.73) this season.

"We've had the opportunity to see Curtis mature as a player over the last three seasons at UP," Howe said. "We're impressed with the way he's come along and are delighted to give him the opportunity to prove himself with the Timbers."

More on the "PFE Situation" (as we're all calling it!). Apart from the city taking control there are ... also offers from two private groups on the table. says the Oregonian. Also in that article the possibility of the PCL taking control of the Beavers and moving to another city is mentioned (scare tactic??).

According to the Tribune the Portland City Council said if a suitable offer comes in from an ownership group, it would restructure the operating agreement by which the new owner must run the team.

The Timbers announced yesterday their aim to bring back a core of nine players from the 2002 side for the 2003 A-League season. Options on the contracts of Fadi Afash, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, Scott Benedetti, Greg Howes, Erik Ozimek, Brent Sancho, Chris Smith, Vadim Tolstolutsky and Brian Winters were all exercised.

"Going into the 2003 season, it's a primary goal of ours to avoid making any wholesale changes to our roster," said Jim Taylor, general manager of the Timbers. "Despite our early exit in the playoffs last year, I very much believe in this group of guys. I think one more year of playing together is going to put us in a position to advance deep into the playoffs."

In addition, the Timbers announced thier intention to focus on the upcoming college draft and those players from last year who are currently free agents.

"Now our attention shifts to the upcoming college draft and then to the free agent market," added Taylor. "Certainly our top three priorities on that free agent list include Matt Napoleon, Gavin Wilkinson and McKinley Tennyson."

The 2003 A-League College Draft will take place on Wed Dec 18th via conference call from the league's headquarters in Tampa, Fla., beginning at 12 noon (Pacific Time).
. The draft this year will be two rounds, the Territorial Round having been eliminated this year. The switch from early Feb to December was explained by the A-League's Tim Holt:

“Our teams conveyed a preference to hold the draft closer to the college cups, feeling it previously was too close to the A-League season and too far removed from the college season; therefore, we felt that holding the draft closer to the college cups was a better fit for everyone involved and it gave our teams more time to sign remaining players.”

The Timbers will get the 12th and 31st picks based on their overall standing in 2002. (New addition Syracuse get 1st and 20th pick; Seattle 19th and 38th)

Portland Family Entertainment did indeed miss their past-due payment...but the city said they would wait until at least next week before revoking PFE's rights to operate the publicly owned stadium!! It tirns out that talks between PFE and their lender are still ongoing.

"We'll be consulting with the lender, reviewing our options and determining next steps next week," Adams said. "We need to get a clearer picture of what (the lender's) game plan is."

TIAA-CREF officials have declined to comment on the negotiations. The lender, which is controlling PFE's cash expenditures, has agreed to let PFE's staff continue preparing for next season by selling premium tickets, suites and sponsorships, Adams said.